ONE of the latest steel structures being manufactured by a specialist firm in the region has been given the seal of approval by the Tees Valley Mayor.

Ben Houchen was on hand to sign a large girder at Cleveland Bridge, which which will form part of a new 1,400 tonne weathering steel bridge construction that will be transported for installation in Lincolnshire.

When complete, the five-span composite highway bridge will measure around 225 metres and is being produced in a line of six girders at the firm's production facility in Darlington.

On a tour of the company’s 22-acre site, Mr Houchen witnessed the design and manufacturing process at Cleveland Bridge, which is undertaken by its skilled and experienced workforce and shipped all over the world.

He said: “Cleveland Bridge is an iconic business that has helped build the world. I’m very proud it is a key part of Tees Valley’s economy, with a reputation that flies the flag for the area.

“I was delighted to put a Tees Valley seal of approval on the steel girder being produced at Cleveland Bridge’s factory in Darlington. It shows that this area has high quality manufacturing companies that can deliver on projects, whether they are on our doorstep or anywhere across the globe, as a result of growing, developing their expertise and investing in skilled workforces.”

Cleveland Bridge has more than a 150-year history of manufacturing bridges and steel structures across the UK and around the world. It also has a portfolio of completed projects in the North East and Yorkshire regions, which included works on the Leeming to Barton stretch of the A1.

Chris Droogan, managing director of Cleveland Bridge UK, who gave the Mayor a tour of the site, said: “We were delighted the Mayor put his name on one of our bridges. He is a champion for Tees Valley business and is a big supporter of local companies playing a part of the future of this region and ensuring sustainable economic growth. Cleveland Bridge is proud of being a longstanding Darlington company, making a positive contribution to Tees Valley through employment, including the development of apprentices and, of course the local, national and international projects we deliver.”